CONSERVATION TILLAGE IN US AGRICULTURE

Conservation tillage was used on nearly 36% of planted hectares in 199 6 in the United States. This level has remained relatively unchanged s ince 1993. The use of conservation tillage varies by crop and is depen dent on site-specific factors including soil type, topsoil depth and l ocal climatic conditions. A number of economic, demographic, geographi c and policy factors have affected the adoption of conservation tillag e. While it is not possible to quantify exactly the impact of these fa ctors, it is clear that management complexities and profitability are key factors impeding the further adoption of conservation tillage.